Incoming IBP pres: Bawal gamitin ang IBP sa anumang pamumulitika

The incoming president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Wednesday underscored that the institution should not be used to cater to one's political agenda.

"Hindi pa ho tapos ang assessment, aba eh ginamit na ho ang aming tanggapan para mag-press conference. Sa tingin ho namin hindi ho tama 'yun. Bawal gamitin ang IBP sa anumang pamumulitika o pang-aapi ng kahit sino man," Attorney Domingo Cayosa told GMA News' Unang Balita.

"'Yung liderato ng IBP, malinaw naman ho sa amin na kahit sino puwedeng mag-apply ngunit kinakailangan naman mag-qualify sila, kinakailangang suriin ang kanilang motibo, ano ang ebidensiya, ano ang pagkatao at ano ang pangangailangan," Cayosa added.

Cayosa's remarks came after one Peter Joemel Advincula, the man who claims to be the hooded "Bikoy" in the video "Ang Totoong Narcolist," surfaced on Monday at the IBP and maintained his claims that the First Family is involved in illegal drugs.

In an earlier statement, the IBP said Advincula arrived at their headquarters to seek legal assistance from the National Center for Legal Aid.

Cayosa maintained that the IBP is unaware that Advincula will conduct a press conference at their office in Ortigas.

"Malinaw ho naman na walang kinalaman ang liderato ng Board of Governors ng IBP doon ho sa nilalaman ng statement ng press conference... Hindi ho kami ang nagtawag ng media at hindi ho namin alam at inaasahan na magkakagano'n," Cayosa said.

He also reiterated that the IBP is still assessing Advincula's application for legal assistance, adding that Advincula is not in their custody.

"Wala ho kaming kinalaman diyan, wala siya sa aming kustodiya at hanggang ngayon hindi pa ho siya nag-qualify as parang beneficiary ng free legal aid program kasi 'di pa ho kumpleto 'yung pag-a-assess," Cayosa said.

Meanwhile, Cayosa said the IBP leadership is also determining if some of their employees will be held liable as they "allowed" Advincula to conduct the press briefing. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News